Paul’s story
Paul was 32 when he passed away. There were no symptoms to warn us that he had a brain tumour. On Christmas night 2012, he was rushed to hospital after suffering a seizure where he made a full recovery but was advised to see his GP for further tests. In the new year his GP referred him to a neurologist but before this appointment he suffered a second seizure.
He was put on medication to control his seizures while tests could be done, i.e. an EEG and MRI. On May 15 he had a follow up appointment with the consultant and was told that he had a benign grade 2 tumour in his right frontal lobe. The advice was that this could be removed and that this was what caused his seizures which should stop following surgery. Arrangements were made for surgery on 25 June 2013 but, on the night of the 17th, less than three weeks after the diagnosis he was taken away from us.
We aim to raise both awareness and funds through The Paul Cupis Fund. One hundred percent of the funds raised will go to The Brain Tumour Charity, to support research into new MRI techniques as well as vital research into brain tumours. Future fundraising events will be included on The Paul Cupis Fund page. However, if you would like to stay up-to-date with all the latest fundraising news as it happens, you can follow us on Twitter @PaulCupisFund
Paul had agreed to be part of a three year trial to support the development of high definition MRI scanning equipment at Atkinson Morley Hospital, Tooting. His first scan was set for 18 June but sadly he did not benefit from what this might have shown. The autopsy report showed that the tumour was in fact a grade 2 astrocytoma, which might have shown better on this equipment and allowed quicker treatment. Research and funding for new specialised equipment is vital and may help saves lives with earlier diagnosis in similar circumstances.
Paul loved the technology and logic of computing, having earned his degree at King’s College, London. His last two years were spent happily in Plymouth, working as a telecommunications engineer. His friends and colleagues in the company are leading the fundraising in his name which reflects how highly regarded he was.
Paul spent time raising funds himself, through cycling the London to Brighton and Palace (Buckingham) to Palace (Windsor) several times. He will be remembered as a kind, happy person who always had a smile. He took time to help other people with his knowledge but never asked for anything in return. He touched many lives in the time that he was with us and will be deeply missed by all. He always brought sunshine into our lives and those around him.
We know that the funds raised in his memory will help save many lives even though we feel ours have changed forever.